Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, has launched ‘operation crush’, a joint task force of police, army, navy and other relevant security agencies.
The governor inaugurated the project on Tuesday at Okpara square event centre in Umuahia with 20 Hilux vans.
He said the operation will pay special attention to areas currently brimming with killings, kidnappings, banditry, arson and all forms of social vices.
“We shall no longer share an inch with the criminals. The joint security task force that makes up the operation crush is expected to dislodge criminals from their hideouts,” he said.
“The outfit will also go after those that harbour criminals, be they traditional rulers, politicians, individuals who may be in the business of orchestrating insecurity in the state.
“Huge resources have been expended on this project because the lives of Abians are paramount at this time.
“It is only when we have a crisis-free environment that we will be able to tackle the issue of unemployment because no society thrives in an unsafe environment.
“Operation crush will also work with the traditional rulers who will continue to give them vital information about the criminal hideouts, to enable the security agents to record success in their assignment.
“Insecurity is a menace and must be chased away at all costs. I enjoin all Abians to contribute to fighting insecurity in our state.”